James Louis “Jim” DeWerff, 92, of Nokomis, died Sunday, March 10, 2024, at his residence.
Visitation for Mr. DeWerff will take place Saturday, March 16, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church, located at 311 South Elm in Nokomis. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow, officiated by Father Michael Meinhart at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Nokomis. Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home of Nokomis is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mr. DeWerff was born Oct. 22, 1931, in Pana, to the late Louis George and Josephine (Donaldson) DeWerff. He was a graduate of Nokomis High School with the class of 1948. Mr. DeWerff went on to serve our country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He and Elizabeth Durbin were united in marriage on August 20, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Litchfield and were married for 68 years. She survives.
Mr. DeWerff was a grain and dairy farmer. He was a devoted, loving, family man and a good provider for his seven children. He loved farming. His church was a very important part of his life, and he enjoyed volunteering for the fish fries during Lent. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his wife, Elizabeth; Mr. DeWerff is survived by his children, Kevin (Kathy) DeWerff of Bloomington, Dennis (Vickie) DeWerff of Normal, Nancy (Rick) Roberts of Bloomington, Kathryn Finley of Nokomis, Timothy (Shell) DeWerff of Nokomis and Christina (Brad Whalen) DeWerff of Farmersville; 16 grandchildren;14 great-grandchildren and one on the way; sisters, Mary Lou Bertolino of Witt and Karel Ann (Bob) Bost of Witt and brother, Michael (Diane) DeWerff of Cape Girardeau, MO.
Mr. DeWerff was preceded in death by his son, Stephen J. DeWerff in 2020; grandson, Zach DeWerff; brother, Jeff DeWerff; and sister, Debbie Bowers; brother-in-law, James Bertolino; and son-in-law, Ed Finley
Memorials in Mr. DeWerff’s memory are suggested to AMVETS Department of Illinois (Springfield), 2206 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62703 or Calvary Cemetery, 19396 North 21st Avenue, Nokomis, IL.
